fauna survey

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FAUNA SURVEY

VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF THE MARANDOO TO

GREAT NORTHERN HIGHWAY ROAD

A report to the Main Roads Western Australia, Pilbara Region, and the Shire of Ashburton from the Pilbara Region, Department of Conservation and Land Management.

Prepared by Peter Kendrick

September 1995

Fauna Survey of the Marandoo to Great Northern Highway Road

CONTENTS

CONTENTS

LIST OF FIGURES

LIST OF TABLES

1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background and Aims. 1.2 Location of Study Area.

2. METHODOLOGY. 2.1 Survey sites and site selection. 2.2 Habitat types sampled. 2.3 Survey design and techniques. 2.4 Personnel

3. RESULTS. 3. 1 General patterns. 3.2 Amphibians and Reptiles. 3.3 Birds. 3.4 Mammals. 3.5 Significant species.

3.5.1 Pebble mound mouse, Pseudomys chapmani. 3.5 .2 Grey falcon , Falco hypoleucos. 3.5.3 Grey honeyeater, Conopophila whitei. 3.5.4 Yellow rumped thornbill, Acanthiza chrysorrhoa. 3.5.5 Pilbara olive python, Morelia olivaceus barroni.

3.6 Pest and Declared Vermin species. 3.7 Borrow pit locations.

4. DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS. 4.1 Significant species.

5. SUMMARY.

6. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

7. REFERENCES.

Pilbara Region, CALM Karratha 11

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September 1995

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Fauna Survey of the Marandoo to Great Northern Highway Road Draft

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

LIST OF FIGURES

Locality plan for the proposed Marandoo to Great Northern Highway Road. 3

Locality plan for the 23 vertebrate sampling sites along the proposed road alignment 6

General locations of 'active' Pseudomys chapmani pebble mounds located during the survey along the proposed road alignment 24

Pilbara Region, CALM Karratha lll September 1995

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Table 1

Table 2

Table 3

Table 4

Table 5

Table 6

Table 7

Table 8.

LIST OF TABLES

Australian Map Grid coordinates for the 23 vertebrate trapping site 5

Trapping effort used at the 23 vertebrate trapping sites 8

Australian Map Grid coordinates for ten borrow pits investigated for the presence of pebble mound mouse (Pseudomys chapmam) during the survey of the proposed Marandoo to Great Northern Highway Road 10

Total numbers of species of amphibian, reptile, birds, monotremes and mammals recorded during the survey of the proposed Marandoo to Great Northern Highway Road 11

Species of reptile and amphibian recorded during the survey of the proposed Marandoo to Great Northern Highway Road 14

Bird species recorded during the survey of the proposed Marandoo to Great Northern Highway Road 17

Monotreme and mammal species recorded during the survey of the proposed Marandoo to Great Northern Highway Road 22

Numbers of species recorded by this survey, compared with the probable total number of species present along the route of the proposed Marandoo to Great Northern Highway Road 26

Pilbara Region, CALM Karratha IV September 1995


1. INTRODUCTION.

1.1 Background and Aims. The Shire of Ashburton, in conjunction with the Main Roads Western Australia, propose to construct a new 76 km road linking the Marandoo Access Road to the Great Northern Highway. This road will traverse the Karijini National Park and parts of the Juna Downs pastoral lease. As part of the environmental review process, set at a Consultative Environmental Review (CER) level, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) identified key environmental issues to be addressed. Key issues specifically related to fauna included

- the protection of rare fauna, and the timing of surveys to determine the presence of rare fauna.

- the protection of fauna having significant conservation values.

To fulfil the EPA guidelines and associated review requirements, the proponents commissioned the Department of Conservation and Land Management's (CALM) Pilbara Region to undertake a survey of vertebrate fauna of the proposed road alignment. This survey addressed the specific objectives of the study brief, and was designed to comply with Departmental (CALM) and National Parks and Nature Conservation Authority (NPNCA) guidelines for biological surveys on Conservation Estate.

This report provides A) - an inventory of vertebrate fauna species recorded on the proposed road

alignment during this survey, including published and unpublished species records for the project area, and a listing of seasonal migrants and cryptic species likely to occur but as yet unrecorded by this survey.

B) - a review of fauna species considered to be rare and endangered, geographically restricted or represented by outlier populations within the study area.

C) - a assessment of the proposal upon pebble mound mouse communities (Pseudomys chapmam) along the alignment.

D) - a review of pest, declared or vermin animals. E) - a review of fauna species in need of special consideration. F) - an assessment of the relationship between vertebrates and the plant

communities present in the survey area, and identification of habitats of special significance to vertebrates

G) - a review of the zoogeographic region as a whole, and an assessment of the regional and local conservation status of the survey area fauna.

H) - an assessment of the value of the survey are in providing habitat and facilitating movement between conservation areas.

I) - provide information directed toward practical management techniques for improving the value of roadsides for conservation of fauna species known to exist within, or use, this survey area.

Pilbara Region, CALM Karratha September 1995


1.2 Location of Study Area. The survey area is located in the central Pilbara Region of Western Australia (Figure 1). The proposed 76 km road links the Marandoo Access Road, via the Karijini Link Road in the west to the Great Northern Highway in the east. The alignment traverses the Karijini National Park and a portion of the Juna Downs Pastoral Lease. The proposed alignment does not follow existing transport infrastructure alignments, such as the existing Mount Bruce Flats Road. It passes to the north of the Mount Bruce Flats Road, Dinner Hill, Karijini National Park Headquarters and Mount Windell, and approximately follows an existing minor track to the Great Northern Highway.

Pilbara Region, CALM Karratha 2 September 1995

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Figure 1 Locality plan for the proposed Marandoo to Great Northern Highway Road.


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LOCALITY PLAN MARANDOO TO GREAT NORTHERN HIGHWAY ROAD


2. METHODOLOGY.

Vertebrate fauna survey was undertaken in two phases. An early concept of the proposed route was based upon upgrading the existing road between the Yampire Gorge Road and the Marandoo Access Road, therefore requiring new construction east of the Yampire Gorge Road only. However, subsequent changes to the proposed western alignment required fauna survey of sites in the western portion as well.

- Phase one consisted of nine vertebrate survey sites installed between the Great Northern Highway and the Yampire Gorge Road, adjacent to the existing minor track.

- Phase two consisted of fourteen vertebrate survey sites installed between the Karijini Link Road and Mount Windell.

Results from these two phases of survey are presented combined below.

2.1 Survey sites and site selection. Twenty three vertebrate survey sites were established along the proposed alignment (Figure 2). Survey sites were selected following ground and air reconnaissance, to represent landform units and vegetation associations present. Where possible, replicate sites were installed in each habitat type. Table 1 gives Australian Map Grid coordinates for all 23 sites.

In all cases , vertebrate sampling sites were located adjacent to or within associated flora/ vegetation survey quadrats .



Table L Australian Map Grid coordinates for the 23 vertebrate trapping sites. Location coordinates are derived from the datum point of the associated vegetation quadrat. Site locations are covered by the 'Mindi' and Mount Windell' 1:50 000 Topographic series (R712, sheets 2552 1 and 2652 4).

Site N°. AMG Coordinates Year Established Easting Northing

1 668054 7496414 1991 2 665206 7497060 1991 3 665207 7497183 1991 4 664385 7497715 1991 5 660035 7499545 1991 6 657751 7499610 1991 7 656209 7499708 1991 8 656228 7501492 1995 9 656143 7501616 1995 10 655239 7499841 1991 11 652225 7503993 1995 12 650012 7499739 1991 13 650558 7500072 1991 14 649604 7504756 1995 15 649286 7504360 1995 16 648826 7504026 1995 17 646308 7503619 1995 18 643761 7503152 1995 19 635258 7504183 1995 20 634165 7503238 1995 21 633733 7502873 1995 22 633957 7502388 1995 23 631499 7502154 1995



Figure 2 Locality plan for the 23 vertebrate sampling sites along the proposed road alignment.


Locality Plan - Permanent Biological Quadrats


2.2 Habitat types sampled. Eight habitat types were identified from preliminary ground inspections of the study area. These are described below.

Mulga creeklines and washes (Merk). Drainage lines containing mulga (Acacia anuera) and dense Themida bunch grass, on heavy clay soils. Sites 12, 14, 16 and 17.

Mulga flats (Mflt). Flats valley floors containing grove/inter-grove mulga (Acacia anuera) over Themida, with annual herbs between mulga groves, on heavy clay soils. Sites 13 and 15.

Mulga slopes (Mslp). Stony colluvial slopes with scattered mulga (Acacia anuera) and other Acacias, over Triodia and Plectrachne. These mulga stands were often affected by burning. Sites 19 and 23.

Plectrachne flat (Pflt). Sandy loam flats with dense Plectrachne cover, and scattered Eucalyptus. Site 18.

Snappy gum/ mallee woodland (LGwld). Eucalyptus leucophloeia (snappy gum), Eucalyptus gammophylla (mallee), over Triodia, on stony loam soils. Sites 9 and 20.

Acacia shrubland over Triodia (Ashrb). Mixed Acacia shrubland over Triodia, on stony loam soils. Sites 2, 3, 4, 6 and 11.

Mallee woodland over Triodia and Plectrachne (Gtrpl). Mallee woodland (Eucalyptus gammophylla) over Triodia, Plectrachne, on stony loam. Sites 5, 7, 10.

Snappy gum on rocky uplands (Rcky). Eucalyptus gammophylla and mixed Acacia shrubland over Triodia, on stony hills and breakaways. Soil development is minimal. Sites 1, 8, 21 and 22.

Of these eight habitat types, three were encountered only on the alignment surveyed in 1995. These were Mulga (Acacia aneura) slope communities (Mslp), Plectrachne flats (Pflt), and scattered Eucalyptus leucophloeia over Triodia hummock grasses (LGwdl). The other five community types were represented in both the 1991 and 1995 surveys.

2.3 Survey design and techniques. Standard vertebrate survey techniques (pitfall traps, Elliott traps, hand searching, spotlighting and observation) were used at all sites.

Twenty-litre Rheem buckets were installed as pit traps, in arrays of twelve pits at each site. Pits were placed in pairs, approximately 5 metres apart, lying centrally along a 10 metre drift fence (aluminium flywire). Pairs were separated by between 20 - 30 metres. When not in use, pit traps were capped and buried. Pits were not



baited, due to very high ant activity at some sites. Pit traps were occasionally closed due to ants, and were cleared twice daily (early morning and late afternoon).

Seventeen medium sized Elliott traps were placed at each site for as many nights as possible, baited with universal bait (peanut paste, rolled oats, sultanas and sardines). Elliott traps were placed 20 to 30 metres apart, along a transect running both through and partly encircling the survey site. Elliott traps were inspected once or twice daily, and rebaited either daily or every two days, depending on trap success and insect activity.

Hand searching in debris, leaf litter etc was undertaken at all sites for a minimum of two person/hours, but usually for at least four person/hours or more. Night-time searching by head torch and spot light was undertaken for at least two person/hours at each site. Observation of birds and larger fauna were made opportunistically. No systematic survey for bats was attempted. Trapping effort varied between sites due to the time available. Table 2 shows the trapping effort for all sites.

Table 2. Trapping effort used on the 23 vertebrate trapping sites, for pitfall traps and Elliott traps.

Trapping effort (trap/nights) Site N°. N°. nights Pit nights Elliott nights

1 16 192 272 2 16 192 272 3 16 192 272 4 16 192 272 5 16 192 272 6 5 60 85 7 16 192 272 8 5 60 85 9 5 60 85 10 16 192 272 11 5 60 85 12 16 192 272 13 16 192 272 14 5 60 85 15 5 60 85 16 5 60 85 17 5 60 85 18 5 60 85 19 5 60 85 20 5 60 85 21 5 60 85 22 5 60 85 23 5 60 85



Voucher specimens were collected for most species encountered, excluding those where identification was unambiguous and specimens were of little value. Specimens were forwarded to the WA Museum for specific determinations. Animals not required as vouchers were released at their point of capture following identification.

Distribution of pebble mound mice (Pseudomys chapmani) was determined by the occurrence of mounds. The entire proposed route was inspected by vehicle, using two observers. Location of mounds which appeared to be active were mapped onto 1:50 000 topographic maps. Mounds deemed to be active were those which had small piles of freshly turned pebbles on their upper surfaces. These 'active' mounds were not checked individually to confirm the presence of P. chapmani. However, this was deemed sufficient to identify those areas containing the species.

Proposed borrow pit locations were checked specifically for the presence of P. chapmani mounds. Trapping was not undertaken to confirm the presence of P. chapmani within the pit locations. Locations of pits are given in Table 3.

Species distributions and nomenclatures used here follow the authorities listed below. More recent taxonomic treatments are used where appropriate.

Amphibians - Tyler et al . (1984). Reptiles - Storr et al. (1981, 1983, 1986, 1990) and Wilson and Knowles (1988). Birds - Blakers et al. (1984) and Storr (1984). Mammals - Strahan (1983).



Table 3; Australian map Grid coordinates for the ten borrow pits investigated for the presence of pebble mound mouse (Pseudomys chapmanz) during the survey of the proposed Marandoo to Great Northern Highway Road.

Borrow Pit AMG Coordinates Easting Northing

1 674100 7492600 2 673100 7492800 3 670900 7493200 4 665300 7496700 5 662600 7499500 6 657700 7500100 7 650400 7507800 8 610700 7503400 9 613400 7507700 10 618200 7512200

2.4 Personnel. The following personnel were involved in the fauna survey.

Principal Investigator (Zoologist) Peter Kendrick (CALM).

Technical Assistance Michael Hughes (CALM). John Angus (CALM volunteer) . Stephen van Leeuwen (CALM). Robert Bromilow (CALM) .

Field Assistance Maitland Parker (CALM).

(contractors).

Specimen Identification

Pilbara Region, CALM Karratha

Karijini Aboriginal Corporation

Ruth Hodson (CALM volunteer). Maria Vina-Cerdiera (CALM volunteer). Matthew Inman (CALM volunteer) . David Hunt (CALM volunteer).

Norah Cooper (WA Museum) . Laurie Smith (WA Museum) .

IO September 1995


3. RESULTS.

3.1 General patterns. This survey recorded by observation or collection three amphibian, 49 reptile, 67 bird, one monotreme and 14 mammal species. Table 4 summarises the total numbers of species recorded for each of the habitat types examined.

Table 4. Total numbers of species recorded from the eight habitat types examined during the survey. See sections 3.3.2, 3.3.3 and 3.3.4 below for details.

Habitat abbrev. Merk Mflt Mslp Pflt LGwld Ashrb Gtrpl Rcky

Amphibians 3 1 2 0 0 0 0 1

Reptiles 13 20 6 1 11 24 16 20

Birds 46 30 12 6 11 25 20 21

Monotremes 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

Native Mammals 9 6 4 0 3 9 5 7

Introduced Mammals 1 2 1 1 0 3 1 0

TOTAL 72 59 25 8 25 61 42 50

Highest species richness was recorded from mulga (Acacia aneura) communities low in the landscape (creeks, washes and grove/intergrove flats), and Acacia shrublands (from 59 to 72 species in each) . The poorest community type was Plectrachne grassland, with a total of eight vertebrate species. That this community was represented by only one site, and that site was only sampled for five nights trapping no doubt contributed to the low number of species recorded.

Sampling of sites surveyed in 1991 was over three times more intense than for sites surveyed in 1995. The results of mammal and reptile trapping reflect this difference in effort, as described for each of the fauna groups below.



3.2 Amphibians and Reptiles. Table 5 lists the amphibian and reptile species collected or observed during this survey.

More species were recorded from sites which were more intensively trapped. Sites trapped in 1991 (192 trap nights per site) recorded more species per site (mean ± SE, 9.2 ± 1. 1) than those sites trapped in 1995 (60 trap nights each: mean ± SE, 5.6 ± 0.9). This is expected, considering the large number of reptile species thought to occur at low densities or are cryptic, with resulting slow species accumulation curves during survey.

As expected, the herpetofauna species list recorded for the Hamersley Range area exceeds that obtained by this survey. Johnstone (in Dawe et al. 1983) lists 92 species of reptile and amphibian, in 11 families. Of these families, the only one absent in the present survey were the Cheluidae (represented in the Pilbara by Chelodina steindachneri, a fresh water tortoise) . This is expected, due to the absence of permanent water within the study area.

Three frog species were recorded, out of a probable total of five. Species like Pseudophryne douglasi are present id gorge habitats close to the study area, but would not be expected within the habitats sampled. It is possible that the valley habitats sampled during the study were unsuitable for Cyclorana platycephalus, as this species was not recorded despite rain falling during the survey .

Among the geckos, Diplodactylus were particularly poorly represented in this survey, with two out of the nine possible species recorded. Other genera (and most species) were represented, with the exception of Oedura. Eight of the seventeen gecko species probably occurring in the area were recorded.

Of the Pygopodidae, Lialis burtonis and Pygopus nigriceps, and several species of Delma, were not recorded in the present survey. Lialis and Pygopus were expected, as these species' are widespread and fairly common. Of the eight Pygopodids probably occurring along the proposed alignment, four were recorded in this survey.

Agamids were well represented; five species were recorded from a probable eight species occurring in the study area. Caimanops amphiboluroides was not recorded, although it is known to occur in mulga flat communities nearby. Several species of Ctenophorus were not recorded.

Fifteen skink species were recorded, out of a potential total of 23 species. Unexpected omissions from the list included Cryptoblepharus plagiocephalus, Ctenotus helenae, Ctenotus leonhardii, Egerniaformosa and Eremiascincus richardsonii. Species like Lerista chalybura and/or Lerista chalybura were not collected along the proposed alignment, although they are known to inhabit gorge habitats close by.



Most Vatanids probably occurring in the study area were recorded (six of a possible eight species). Although Varanus gouu:lii was not encountered, Johnstone (in Dawe et al. 1983) did not indicate that this species is common in the Hamersley range area, apparently being replaced by V. panoptes. Varanus pilbaraensis was also not encountered, although it is known to occur within rocky habitats such as gorges close to the study area.

Snakes were fairly well represented (11 species out of a possible 20 species), considering that these animals are often shy and occur at low density. Blind snakes have very cryptic habits, and this probably accounts for only one species of the several known from the area being recorded. The Pilbara olive python (Morelia olivaceus barroni) and pygmy python (Morelia perthensis) are known to occur in the vicinity of the survey area, but were not recorded in this survey. Elapids were well represented by eight species, although the burrowing snakes (Vermicella) and death adder (Acanthophis pyrrhus) were not recorded. Considered together, only two of the 11 species of snake recorded during this survey were represented by more than a single individual.



Table 5 -Species of reptile and amphibian recorded from the eight habitat types recognised in this survey. Habitat abbreviations are those given in section 3.2.2 (above).

Habitat abbrev. Merk Mflt Mslp Pflt LGwld Ashrb Gtrpl Rcky Site numbers 12,14 13,15 19,23 18 9,20 2,3,4, 5,7,10 1,8,21,

16,17 6,11 22

AMPHIBIANS LEPTODACTYLIDAE

Limnodynastes spenceri + HYLIDAE

Cyclorana maini + + Litoria rubella + + + +

REPTILES GEKKONIDAE

Diplodactylus elderi + Diplodactylus stenodactylus + + + Gehyra pilbara + + + Gehyra punctata + Gehyra variegata + + Heteronotia binoei + + + + + Nephrurus wheeleri cinctus + Rhynchoedura ornata + +

PYGOPODIDAE Delma butleri + + + Delma nasuta + Delmapax + + + Delma tincta +

AGAMIDAE Ctenophorus isolepis isolepis + Ctenophorus c. caudicinctus + + + + + + Pogona minor minor + + + + + Diporiphora valens + Gemmatophora longirostris + +

SCINCIDAE Carlia munda + + + + + + + Carlia triacantha + Ctenotus grandis titan + C. pantherinus ocellifera + + + + + + + + Ctenotus duricola + + + Ctenotus rubicundus + + Ctenotus rutilans + + + + Ctenotus saxatilis + + + + Ctenotus schomburgkii + + + + Cyclodomorphus melanops + + + + Lerista muelleri + + Menetia greyii + Morethia ruficauda e.xquisita + + Proablepharus reginae + Teliqua multifasciata +


.---- ------------


Table 5 ·(continued) Habitat abbrev. Merk Mflt Mslp Pflt LGwld Ashrb Gtrpl Rcky Site nwnbers 12,14 13,15 19,23 18 9,20 2,3,4, 5,7,10 1,8,21,

16, 17 6,11 22

VARANIDAE Varanus acanthurus + + Varanus brevicauda + + Varanus caudolineatus + + Varanus giganteus + Varanus panoptes rubidus + + Varanus tristis tristis + +

BOIDAE Aspidites melanocephalus + Morelia s. stimsoni +

ELAPIDAE Demansia rufescens + Demansia psammophis cupriceps + Denisonia fasciata + Furina ornata + Pseudechis australis + Pseudonaja modesta + Pseudonaja nuchalis + + Rhinoplocephalus monachus + +

TYPHLOPIDAE Ramphotyphlops grypus +



3.3 Birds. Table 6 lists the bird species recorded during this survey. Johnstone (in Dawe et al. 1983) lists 135 species from the vicinity of Karijini (then Hamersley Range) National Park, and others may also be present. Many species not recorded by the present survey were water birds (whose habitats did not lie within the study area), or migratory or uncommon species.

Survey effort did not appear to significantly influence the number of bird species recorded at sites during the survey. 1991 sites (16 days per site) recorded less species on average per site (mean ± SE; 9.0 ± 1.5) than those sites trapped in 1995 for five nights each (mean ± SE; 10.3 ± 1. 7).

Some species of interest were noted. Johnstone (in Dawe et al. 1983) notes Tyto alba (Barn owl) as uncommon; one was observed by the present survey while spotlighting. Podargus strigoides (Tawny frogmouth) were common throughout the study area, although Johnstone records it as scarce. Both Malurus leucopterus leuconotus (White winged fairy wren) and Stipiturus ruficeps ruficeps (Rufouscrowned emu-wren), described by Johnstone as uncommon, were recorded in rocky country, and in mulga stands and Eucalyptus gammophylla woodlands. A population of Acanthiza chrysorrhoa (Yellow rumped thornbill), recorded from mulga stands along a creek, lies close to the northern limit of its range in the Pilbara. This species is locally uncommon.

A single Falco hypoleucos (Grey falcon) was recorded from mulga stands along a large creek line, in 1991. Johnstone (in Dawe et al. 1983) does not list this species in the area, and Storr (1984) note it as 'scarce visitor' to the Pilbara. This species is listed as 'Threatened', although it appears to be sparsely, though widely distributed in the arid zone.

A single Conopophila whitei (Grey honeyeater) was observed building a nest in grove-intergrove mulga in late June 1995. This species is listed as Threatened.



Table 6 Bird species recorded from the eight habitat types recognised in this survey. Habitat abbreviations and site numbers are those given in Section 2.2 and Table 1.

Habitat abbrev. Merk Mflt . Mslp Pflt LGwld Ashrb Gtrpl Rcky Site numbers 12,14 13,15 19,23 18 9,20 2,3,4, 5,7,10 1,8,

16, 17 6,11 21,22

CASUARIIDAE Emu + + +

Dromaius novaehollandiae novaehollandiae ACCIPITRIDAE

Wedge-tailed eagle + + + Aquila audax

Black-shouldered kite + Elanus caeruleus notatus

Spotted harrier + Circus assimilis

FALCONIDAE Grey falcon +

Falco hypoleucos Brown falcon + + + +

Falco berigora berigora Little falcon +

Falco longipennis longipennis Australian kestrel +

Falco cenchroides cenchroides TURNICIDAE

Little button quail + + + + + Turnix velox

COLUMBIDAE Diamond dove + +

Geopelia cuneata Common bronzewing + + +

Phaps chalcoptera Spinifex pigeon +

Geophaps plumifera Crested pigeon + + + +

Ochyphaps lophotes PSITT ACIDAE

Budgerigar + + + + + + Melopsittacus undulatus

Ring-necked parrot + + Platycercus zonarius zonarius

Galah + + Cacatua roseicapilla

Little corella + + Cacatua pastinator westralensis

CUCULIDAE Pallid cuckoo + + + + +

Cuculus pal/idus Horsfields bronze cuckoo + +

Ch,ysococcyx basalis STRlGIDAE

Barn owl + Tyto alba delicatula



Table 6 (continued) Habitat abbrev. Merk Mflt Mslp Pflt LGwld Ashrb Gtrpl Rcky Site numbers 12,14 13,15 19,23 18 9,20 2,3,4, 5,7,10 1,8,

16,17 6, 11 21,22

PODARGIDAE Tawny frogmouth + + +

Podargus strigoides AEGOTHELIDAE

Australian owlet-nightjar + + Aegotheles cristatus cristatus

CAPRMULGIDAE Spotted nightjar + + + + +

Eurostopodus argus ALCEDINIDAE

Red-backed kingfisher + + + + + Halcyon pyrrhopygia

Sacred kingfisher + Halcyon sancta sancta

CAMPEPHAGIDAE Black-faced cuckoo-shrike + +

Coracina novaehollandiae subpallida White-winged triller + +

La/age sueurii tricolor PACHYCEPHALIDAE

Red-capped robin + Petroica goodenovii

Hooded robin + + + + + Petroica cucullata

Grey shrike-thrush + + + Colluricincla harmonica ru.fiventris

Rufous whistler + + + + Pachycephala ru.fiventris ru.fiventris

Crested bellbird + + + + Oreoica gutturalis

MONARCHIDAE Willie wagtail + + + + + +

Rhipidura leucophrys leucophrys ORTHONYCHIDAE

Grey-crowned babbler + + Pomatostomus temporalis

ACANTHIZIDAE Western flyeater + + + +

Gerygonefuscafusca Weebill +

Smicrornis brevirostris Broad-tailed thornbill +

Acanthiza (pusilla) apicalis Chestnut-rumped thornbill +

Acanthiza uropygialis Yellow-rumped thornbill +

Acanthiza ch,ysorrhoa




16, 17 6,11 21,22

MALURIDAE Rufous-crowned emu-wren + +

Stipiturus rujiceps ruficeps Variegated fairy-wren + + + +

Malurus lamberti assimilis White-winged fairy-wren +

Malurus leucopterus leuconotus SYLVlIDAE

Rufour songlark + + Cincloramphus mathewsi

Spinifex bird + + + + Eremiornis carteri

CLIMACTERIDAE Black-tailed treecreeper + +

C/imacteris melanura wellsi PARDALOTIDAE

Striated pardalote + + Pardalotus striatus murchisoni

MELIPHAGIDAE Brown honeyeater + + + +

Lichmera indistincta indistincta Pied honeyeater + +

Certhionix niger Singing honeyeater + + + + +

Meliphaga virescens Grey-headed honeyeater +

Meliphaga keartlandi White-plumed hoeyeater +

Meliphaga penici/lata Black-chinned honeyeater +

Melithreptus gularis laetior Spiny-cheeked honeyeater + +

Acanthagenys rufogularis Grey honeyeater + Conopophila whitei

Yellow-throated miner + + + + + Manorina fl-avigula

Crimson chat + Epthianura triclor

PLOCEIDAE Painted finch + + +

Emblema pictum Star finch +

Neochmia ruficauda clarescens Zebra finch + +

Poephila guttata castanotis GRALLINIDAE

Australian magpie-lark + + Grallina cyanoleura




16,17 6,11 21,22

ARTAMIDAE Black-faced woodswallow + + + + + +

Artamus cinereus melanops Little woodswallow + + +

Artamus minor Masked woodswallow + +

Artamus personatus CRACTICIDAE

Grey butcherbird + Cracticus torquatus torquatus

Pied butcherbird + + + + Cracticus nigrogularis

Australian magpie + Cracticus tibicen tibicen

CORVIDAE Little crow + + +

Corvus bennetti



3.4 Mammals. Table 7 lists all mammal species recorded during the survey. Fifteen native species (including the Monotreme Tachyglossus) and three introduced mammal species were recorded. None of these species were unexpected for the survey area.

As with herpetofauna, more species were recorded from sites which were more intensively trapped than from those with less intensive trapping. 1991 sites, sampled by 464 trap/nights (272 Elliotts + 192 pits, over 16 nights) recorded more species per site (mean ± SE; 5.2 ± 0.6) than those sites trapped in 1995 by 145 trap/nights (85 Elliotts + 60 pits, over 5 nights; mean ± SE; 3.7 ± 0.8).

Most of the mammal species recorded were fairly widely distributed among different habitat types. The most localised species within the present survey was the rock rat Zyzomys argurus, found only in rocky break-away habitats.

Pebble mound mice (Pseudomys chapmanz) were trapped or active mounds were observed in four habitats, associated with stony or pebbly slopes or uplands. Pseudomys chapmani is listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Conservation Act (fauna which is rare or likely to become extinct), and as Vulnerable under the IUCN Red List Categories Version 2.2. However, it appears to be relatively common and widespread within the central Pilbara,. including the vicinity of the proposed road. Figure 3 shows the occurrence of areas containing pebble mounds located during this survey.

A number of species known to occur within the vicinity from WA Museum collections, Dawe et al. (1983) and the Marandoo surveys (Hamersley Iron Pty Ltd 1992) were not recorded during the present survey. Excluding bats, native species not recorded include Dasyurus hallucatus, Pseudantechinus macdonnellensis, Planigale ingrami, Notomys alexis and Petrogale rothschildii. Of these, P. macdonnellensis and P. ingrami are uncommon and are rarely trapped. Notomys alexis was thought to be rare or absent from the central Hamersley Plateau. Rothschilds rock wallaby (Petrogale rothschildii) frequents gorge habitats which were not present within the survey area (although populations occur in Dales, Dignams and Munjina Gorges, just to the north of the survey area). In addition to these species, Sminthopsis longicaudata are known from the southern margins of the Hamersley plateau. Sminthopsis longicaudata is very rarely trapped, but is possibly present in rocky country within the study area.

Echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus) were probably present in all sites, but sign was only observed at one rocky site among breakaways .

Limited effort was put into bat collection, and only three common and widespread species (Vespadalus (Eptesicus) finlaysoni, Chaerophon jobensis and Chalinolobus gouldi) were recorded from mulga creekline habitats.



Table 1: Monotreme and mammal species recorded from the eight habitat types recognised in this survey. Habitat abbreviations are those given in section 3.2.2 (above).

Habitat abbrev. Merk Mflt Mslp Pflt LGwld Ashrb Gtrpl Rcky Site numbers 12,14 13, 15 19,23 18 9,20 2,3,4, 5,7,10 1,8,

16,17 6,11 21,22

T ACHYGLOSSIDAE Tachyglossus aculeatus +

DASYURIDAE Dasykaluta rosamondae + + + + Sminthopsis oo/dea + + + Sminthopsis macroura + + + + + Ningaui timealeyi + + + + + + Planigale maculata + +

MACROPODIDAE Macropus robustus + + + + Macropus rufa + + +

MOLOSSIDAE Chaerophon jobensis +

VESPERTILIONIDAE Chalinolobus gouldi + Vespadalus finlaysoni +

MURIDAE Pseudomys chapmani + + + + P. hermansburgensis + + + + + + Zyzomys argurus +

MURINAE Mus musculus + + + + +

CANIDAE Canis familiaris dingo + +

FELIDAE Fe/is catus + +

BOVIDAE Bos taurus + +



3.5 Significant species. 3.5.1 Pebble mound mouse, Pseudomys chapmani.

Listed on Schedule 1 (Wildlife Conservation Act; rare or likely to become extinct), P. chapmani is common in suitable habitat across the Hamersley plateau. Figure 3 shows areas of the proposed road alignment along which P. chapmani is known to occur, either though trapping of individuals or the presence of active pebble mounds. Pebble mounds were judged to be active if pebbles on the surface appeared to be freshly rearranged, and if the surface of the mound showed well developed conical entry/exit points.

Pseudomys chapmani appears to be secure within its present range, and suitable habitat is widespread. This project will impose localised impacts upon the species within a small part of its current range.

3.5.2 Grey falcon, Falco hypoleucos. Listed on Schedule 1 (Wildlife Conservation Act), Falco hypoleucos is uncommonly recorded over much of its range. It probably occurs throughout the Pilbara, but at low density. Very little is known about the species, and it is therefore difficult to know what effect, if any, the proposed road will have. However, it is unlikely that construction of the road would have major impact upon the local populations of F. hypoleucos.

3.5.3 Grey honeyeater, Conopophila whitei. Listed on Schedule 1 (Wildlife Conservation Act), Conopophila whitei is locally common (Storr 1984) but generally sparsely distributed. Little is known of this species, but its preferred habitat is Acacia aneura and A. citrinoviridis communities. The size of this population is unknown, as is its occurence other areas of mulga in the area.

3.5.4 Yellow rumped thornbill, Acanthi:w chrysorrhoa. Listed as scarce by Johnstone (in Dawe et al. 1983), A. chrysorrhoa was known from two locations in the vicinity of the survey area (mulga- eucalypt at Mt Bruce, and 14 kilometres SW of Dales Gorge). The second of these corresponds very closely with the location at which this species was observed during the present survey (Site 14).

These localities must be close to the northern limits of the species within the Pilbara. However, the presence of A. chrysorrhoa in adjacent areas of suitable habitat is unknown. It is clearly uncommon, and appears to depend upon large mulga stands. Its presence in mulga areas already bisected by roads may indicate that it will not be threatened by the proposed route.

3.5.5 Pilbara olive python, Morelia olivaceus barroni. Although not recorded by this survey, Morelia olivaceous barroni has been observed by CALM staff in the vicinity of the proposed alignment in the past. This species is listed on Schedule 1 (Wildlife Conservation Act), as fauna which is rare or likely to become extinct. This species is known to occur in most habitats within the study area, but is most commonly found in or near rocky areas and gorges. The proposed alignment may impact upon this species in the vicinity of the rock areas traversed to the north of Dinner Hill and to the north of Mount Windell, but the species appears to be well represented throughout the Karijini National Park and elsewhere within the Pilbara.



Figure 3 General locations of 'active' Pseudomys chapmani pebble mounds located during the survey along the proposed road alignment.


FIG. 3a LOCATION OF PEBBLE MOUND MICE, Pseudomys chapmani

T N

FIG. 3b LOCATION OF PEBBLE MOUND MICE, Pseudomys chapmani

FIG. 3c LOCATION OF PEBBLE MOUND MICE, Pseudomys chaemani


3.6 P·est and Declared Vermin Species. The only declared pest species recorded by this survey was the dingo (Canis familiaris dingo). While this species is controlled throughout the pastoral zone, a secure population exists within the Karijini National Park.

Introduced pest species recorded were mice (Mus musculus) and cat (Felis catus). Both of these species are now naturalised throughout the Australian continent, and may occur in almost any habitats (although us appear to favour more productive habitats such as creeklines and wetlands).

Other pest and declared vermin species have been recorded in the vicinity of the proposed road alignment. Rabbit, donkey, camel, fox and feral horse have been recorded at Marandoo and elsewhere in the Karijini National Park. None of these were recorded in the present survey, although it is possible some of them may only occur episodically or occasionally in the area. These species are controlled by CALM (with assistance from the Agriculture Protection Board and adjacent pastoral lease holders) within the National Park. Construction of the proposed road would have little impact upon pest of declared vermin species.

3.7 Borrow pit locations. A listing of potential borrow pit locations was obtained from the MRD. These sites were examined specifically for presence of P. chapmani. Only pit numbers 2, 3 and 4 contained evidence of P. chapmani (presence of apparently 'active' mounds).



4. DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION.

With the exception of Dawe et al. (1983), vertebrate survey work within the Hamersley Plateau has been a consequence of iron ore developments within the area, including the Marandoo, Brockman and Channar. Fauna survey associated with the Marandoo project area, located adjacent to Mount Bruce, extended back to 1975 (Hamersley Iron Pty Ltd 1992).

These studies have resulted in a large body of vertebrate fauna data from the central Pilbara / Hamersley Plateau area, and have demonstrated that the central Pilbara has a substantial and distinctive vertebrate fauna. The present survey recorded a fairly large proportion of the known fauna of the area, considering that some important landforms characteristic of the area were excluded from the study area. These proportions area given in Table 8.

Table 8. Numbers of species recorded from the probable total number of species present.

Group

Amphibians

Reptiles

Birds

Monotremes

Number of Species recorded

3

49

67

1

Native Mammals (excl bats) 11

Introduced Mammals 3

Probable Total number of species

5

85

107

1

14

6

With a few exceptions, the species not detected are generally cryptic, may not occur locally in the habitats sampled, or are rare. As no single survey is ever likely to record all species known to occur within an area, the results of the present survey are considered to be robust.



4.1 Significant Species. Five significant species are either documented to occur within the proposed alignment, or are highly likely to occur within the alignment. Of these species, Pseudomys chapmani and Morelia olivaceus barroni are believed to have secure populations within their current ranges in the Pilbara. Acanthiza chrysorrhoa is known to occur in mulga habitats which are already bisected by roads, and it is unlikely that this proposed road will affect this populatio11 differently. The last two species, Falco hypoleucos and Conopophila whitei are scarce animals about which little is known. Falco hypoleucos is a widespread species occurring at low density. It is unlikely that the single individual seen during this survey is dependent upon that patch of mulga. Similarly, Conopophila whitei is recorded as being locally common. The single record observed in this survey may have been a vagrant individual, or a bird occupying a patch of mulga only infrequently used. In either case, construction of the proposed road would have little effect.

• Recommendation That the Proponent obtain the required permits under Regulation 17 (Wildlife Conservation Act), to take individuals of the Pebble mound mouse, Pseudomys chapmani, during construction of the proposed Marandoo to Great Northern Highway Road, including borrow pits 2, 3 and 4 (lying at AMG coordinates E673100, N7492800; E670900, N7493200; E665300, N7496700).



5. SUMMARY. The vertebrate fauna occurring along the proposed alignment of the Marandoo to Great Northern Highway is representative of that of the Hamersley Plateau. This fauna is well represented within the Karijini National Park.

A total of 134 species of vertebrate were recorded on the proposed alignment: three amphibians, 49 reptiles, 67 birds, one monotreme and 14_ mammals. Three of the mammal species were introduced. Four of these species were of conservation significance, either because of their listing under the Wildlife Conservation Act, or because they were populations occurring at the extreme of their geographic range.

One of these species, Pseudomys chapmani (Pebble mound mouse) is known to reside on significant sections of the proposed alignment. The other species listed (Grey falcon, Grey honey-eater and Yellow-rumped thornbill) were probably not dependant upon that part of their habitat which is to be impacted upon by construction of the road.

This report recommends that the necessary permits be obtained to take Pseudomys chapmani during the construction of the proposed road. It is unlikely that construction will take, or otherwise impact the other species of conservation significance.



6. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. The author thanks the following people for their assistance in the preparation of this report.

Michael Hughes, Chris Muller, Stephan Fritz, Brad Barton and Hugh Chevis of CALM's Pilbara Regional office (Karratha), and Keith Cunningham and Maitland Parker, Rangers at Karijini National Park.

Stephen van Leeuwen and Robert Bromilow, colleagues of CALM's Science and · Information Division based in CALM's Pilbara office.

John Angus, Ruth Hodson, Maria Vina-Cerdiera, Matthew Inman and David Hunt, who assisted as CALM volunteers.

Members of Karijini Aboriginal Corporation.

Brian Hartley, Shane Powers and other staff of Main Roads Western Australia, Pilbara Division (Port Hedland).

Norah Cooper, Laurie Smith and other staff of the Western Australian Museum, Perth.



7. REFERENCES.

Blakers, M., Davies, S. J. J. F. and Reilly, P. N. 1984. The atlas of Australian birds. Melbourne University Press, Melbourne.

Dawe, C., Dunlop, J. N., Johnstone, R. E., Majer, J. D., Pound, I. R. and Sawle, M. 1983. B. G. Muir, editor. A fauna survey of the Hamersley Range National Park, Western Australia, 1980. Bulletin 1, National Parks Authority of Western Australia.

Hamersley Iron Pty Ltd. 1992. Marandoo Iron Ore Mine and Central Pilbara Railway Environmental Review and Management Program. Hamersley Iron Pty Ltd, Perth.

Hamersley Iron Pty Ltd. 1994. Brockman No. 2 Detrital Project Vertebrate Fauna Survey. Hamersley Iron Pty Ltd, Perth.

Storr, G. M. 1984. Birds of the Pilbara Region, Western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum 16. Western Australian Museum, Perth.

Storr, G. M. , Smith, L.A. and Johnstone, R. E. 1981. Lizards of Western Australia. Volume I. Skinks. University of Western Australia Press and WA Museum, Perth.

Storr, G. M., Smith, L. A. and Johnstone, R. E. 1983. Lizards of Western Australia. Volume II. Dragons and Monitors. Western Australian Museum, Perth.

Storr, G. M., Smith, L. A. and Johnstone, R. E. 1986. Snakes of Western Australia. Western Australia Museum, Perth.

Storr, G. M. , Smith, L.A. and Johnstone, R. E. 1990. Lizards of Western Australia. Volume III. Geckos and Pygopods. Western Australia Museum, Perth.

Strahan, R. (Ed.) 1983. Complete book of Australian mammals. Angus and Robertson, Sydney.

Tyler, M. J., Smith, L. A. and Johnstone, R. E. 1984. Frogs of Western Australia. University of Western Australia Press, Perth.

Wilson, S. K. and Knowles, D. G. 1988. Australia's Reptiles: A photographic reference to the terrestrial reptiles of Australia. Collins, Sydney.


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